Toni Bou puts things in order in Barcelona
With one victory for Bou (Sheffield) and one for Cabestany (Marseille), a battle seemed to be in the making for the third round of the World Indoor Trial Championships. However, in the Palau Jordi tonight there was no problem against Toni 'Dynamite' Bou! The Repsol Montesa rider made it a one-man show from the start. The only question left in his mind was who could join him on stage.
Albert Cabestany finished second and was thus able to secure his title chances. Young GasGas rider James Dabill rode well to his second podium of the season in what was certainly the toughest race yet. Japanese veteran Takahisa Fujinami fell just off the podium after two weak seventh places in Sheffield and Marseille.
Sensational elimination for Raga!
Home rider Adam Raga was initially unable to qualify directly for the semi-finals and suffered mechanical problems in the Last Chance! Exit for Raga who had to watch for the rest of the evening. Alex Wigg and his Beta also had to leave the competition at the same time.
Bou made a particularly impressive impression in the semi-final in the first zones where everyone made a mistake except the Spanish superstar. Toni kept the counter at an impressive zero, while the competition was already at ten after two zones. Frustrating for the entire trial world top, great fun for the large audience and Toni Bou's fans.
Anyone who still doubted a final victory for the reigning world champion was declared crazy on the spot. Fortunately, the battle to avoid elimination was no less exciting. Jeroni Fajardo (Beta) and the Frenchman Loris Gubian (GasGas) eventually had to say goodbye.
Those expecting fireworks in the 'Final Four' were unfortunately left wanting. Cabestany came back with routine to ensure second place. The only blemish on Bou's record was a five in the very last zone. Bou is now once again the sole leader in the World Cup. Cabestany follows at five points.
Trial Barcelona
1: Toni Bou 6 – Final
2: Albert Cabestany 16 Final
3: James Dabill 24 – Final
4: Takahisa Fujinami 25 – Final
5: Jeroni Fajardo 15 – Semi-Final
6: Loris Gubian 19 – Semi-Final
7: Adam Raga 5 – Last Chance
8: Alexz Wigg 11 – Last Chance
Qualification 1: Toni Bou (SPA-Montesa-HRC) 0: Albert Cabestany (SPA-Sherco) 2: Takahisa Fujinami (JPN-Montesa-HRC) 5: Jeroni Fajardo (SPA-Beta) 3: Adam Raga (SPA-Gas Gas) 10: James Dabill (GBR-Gas Gas) 4: Alexz Wigg (GBR-Beta) 15: Loris Gubian (FRA-Gas Gas) 5
Standings FIM World Indoor Trial Trial after 3 matches
1: Build 55 pts
2: Cabestany 50 pts,
3: Dabill 40
4: Men 25
5: Fajardo 21
6: Fujinami 17
7: Wedgie 9
8: Gubian 4
9: Lampkin 5
10: Brown 3
11: Ferrer 1
Photo credit: Ray Archer
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